Choose a Dungeons & Dragons edition (most commonly 5th edition)
Gather players and a Dungeon Master (DM)
Create characters or use pregenerated characters
Pick a character race and class
Roll ability scores or use an array/point-buy method
Choose background, skills, equipment, and starting gear
Determine your character’s hit points, armor class, and saving throw proficiencies
Read the basic rules for combat, skill checks, saving throws, and spellcasting
Use dice: a d20 plus the other polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20)
Learn core actions
Take turns in initiative during combat
Decide what your character does on your turn (move, action, bonus action, reaction)
Roll a d20 for checks, attacks, or saving throws and add the relevant modifier
Compare results to the target number or Armor Class
Apply damage, conditions, and healing rules as needed
Use the DM’s prompts to describe your character’s actions
Use the Player’s Handbook, Basic Rules, and your class/spell rules during play
Track character resources (spell slots, abilities, hit points, ammunition)
Follow the DM’s world rules and encounter pacing
Agree on table etiquette (respect other players, speak in turn, collaborate)
Start a short adventure and play through the first session
Review what worked and adjust character choices and group expectations for the next session